Carton with improved closure



June 14, 1966 K. D. BIXLER ETAL 3, 55,947 CARTON WITH IMPROVED CLOSUREFiled Nov. 2, 1964 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS Kenneth D Bixler 8 WilliamS. Peppler gfi BY W ATTORNEY June 14, 1966 K. n. BIXLER ETAL CARTON WITHIMPROVED CLOSURE INVENTORS KennethD. Bixlera Wi|lic|m- S. Peppler BY Km;wile/ 3 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 2, 1964 ATTORNEY June 14, 1966BlXLER ETAL 3,255,947

CARTON WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE Filed Nov. 2, 1964 7 Sheets$heet 3INVENTORS Kenneth D. Bixler 8 William S. Peppler Mk4 O. H0 6K A ATTORNEYJune 14, 1966 K. D. BIXLER ETAL CARTON WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE INVENTORSKenneth D. Bixller &

'7 Sheets-Sheet 4 William S.Peppler Filed NOV. 2, i964 ATTORNEY June 14,1966 K. D. BIXLER ETAL CARTON WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE 7 Sheets-Sheet 5Filed Nov. 2, i964 INVENTORS Kenneth D. Bixlera William S. Peppler BYKan (/0 men ATTORNEY June 14, 1966 K. D. BIXLER ETAL 3,255,947

CARTON WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE Filed Nov. 2, 1964 7 Sheets-Sheet 6INVENTORS Fl G '9 Kenneth D. Bixlerfi V William S. Peppler BY @EL E a/(5ATTORNEY June 14, 1966 K. 0. BIXLER ETAL CARTON WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE '7Sheets-Sheet '7 ZNVENTORS Kenneth D. Bixller 8 Filed NOV. 2, i964William S.Peppler BY /(fi/PL CQm/(s ATTORNEY United States Patent3,255,947 CARTON WITH IMPROVED (ZLOSURE Kenneth D. Bixler, Huntington,and William S. Peppler, Chappaqua, N.Y., assignors to DiamondInternational Corporation, New York, N.Y., a corporation of DelawareFiled Nov. 2, 1964, Ser. No. 407,988 12 Claims. (Cl. 229-28) Thisinvention relates generally to cartons and more particularly to animproved carton closure construction I particularly adapted for use incellular cartons in which fragile articles such as eggs or the like arepackaged.

Cartons having lid openings have been suggested in the past, however,the prior art generally discloses the top construction formed withcut-and-scored portions which form transverse reinforcing ribs and thelike, however, the articles being packaged are inserted into the cartonafter it has been completely erected and assembled. The prior art is notparticularly adapted to packaging eggs, fragile Christmas bulbs, etc.,since it requires, after the carton cells are loaded with the eggs,extreme accuracy during loading in order to obviate the damage to thearticles, i.e. eggs having soft spots or soft shells, for example.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a novel hingedclosure or lid construction particularly adapted for use in cellular eggcartons in which the cellular portion of the carton can be initiallyloaded with the eggs and subsequently after the lid is closed, there isprovided means for holding and stabilizing the product not only againstlateral movement but also for the purpose of retaining the eggs in arelatively stable position against the lower portion of the cartoncells, and also for the purpose of reinforcing the carton againstlateral and vertical forces.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel hingedclosure or lid construction for a carton in which the advantagesmentioned above are provided as well as reinforcement of the cartonagainst lateral and vertical forces or shocks is provided and thecontents of the carton can be readily observed by the packer andpurchasing customer.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a novelclosure or lid which cooperates with portions of a cellular bottomsection to provide superior transverse crush strength and all of thedesirable qualities mentioned above without the addition of stockmaterial thus maintaining packaging expenses at a minimum.

Briefly in summary, primary objects of the present invention are toprovide an improved hinged carton closure which incorporates addedstrength, product visibility, facilitates merchandising, permitsconventional loading prior to closing of the cartons, protects theproduct during shipping, affords ready access to the product in thecarton and still retains the economies of a conventional package thusproviding an improved carton with relatively little or, if any,increased cost.

Other and more specific objects and advantages of the invention willbecome apparent from a consideration of the specification and taken inconjunction with the drawing forming a part thereof, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion of a blank showing thenature of the improved carton closure or lid construction;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of anerected carton prior tothe carton being loaded with eggs and showing the closure in an opencondition;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing eggs in the cells of theerected carton;

FIG. 4 shows an intermediate stage of closing of the carton, i.e.illustrating the manner in which fold bars cooperate with pre-scoredfolds and cuts of the carton;

3,255,947 Patented June 14, 1966 FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspectiveview showing the carton in a closed condition;

FIG. 6 (on sheet 1) is a fragmentary vertical section takensubstantially on the plane of line 66 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 (on sheet 2) is a fragmentary view of a modified blank forproducing stabilization of the transverse reinforcing ribs provided inthe novel closure;

FIG. 8 (on sheet 2) is a fragmentary perspective view looking at theunderside of the novel closure produced from the blank shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of another form of the novelclosure;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to FIG. 2 and showinganother embodiment of carton with a closure of FIG. 9 in an opencondition;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view, similar to FIG. 10, and showing the cellsof the erected carton filled with eggs;

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 5 and showing the closure illustratedin FIGS. 9-11 in a closed condition;

FIG. 13 is an essentially diagrammatic view, generally illustrating thedistribution of vertical forces applied to the novel cover as well asthe dimensional. relationship of the improved carton construction inrelation to the longitudinal dividing panel of the carton of FIGS. 912;

FIG. 14 (on sheet 3) is a fragmentary vertical section taken essentiallyon the plane of line 1414 of FIG. 12, generally illustrating thedimensional relationship of co operating portions of the novel closurewith respect to an egg in one of the carton cells;

FIGS. 15a, 15b, and (on sheet 3) are respectively modified fragmentaryperspective views of modified wing portions on the transverse beamsformed on the novel closure or lid of the cartons;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary view of a portion of a blank utilized onanother embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIGS. 2 and 10 showing a cellular carton inan erected condition with the lid being 0 611;"

FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIGS. 3 and 11 showing the carton of FIG. 6with eggs disposed in the cells thereof;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating the manner in which the lidof the carton may be readily and bodily removed by the ultimate user ofthe eggs;

FIG. 20 (on sheet 5) is a fragmentary perspective view of the closedcarton of FIG. 18 particularly illustrating the manner in which thelongitudinal partition walls of the carton are modified to accommodatethe beams of the novel lid of the invention;

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary plan view of another form of the novel closure;

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary perspective view of an erected carton in aclosed condition, similar to FIGS. 5 and 12 and showing the embodimentof FIG. 21 in an assembled condition after eggs have been inserted inthe carton cells; and

FIG. 23 is an end elevation of a pair of stacked and closed cartons ofthe character shown in FIG. 22, on a reduced scale, and showing themanner in which the upwardly curved lid portions provide improvedstacking.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6 and first considering FIG. 1, a fragmentaryportion of a blank is indicated generallyat 10, and the blank isproduced from any suitable, readily cut-and-scored paperboard material,for example. The blank 10, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a back wallpanel 12, as seen in FIG. 2, which comprises a portion of a cellular eggcarton indicated generally at 14 and of the character disclosed anddescribed in detail in US. Letters Patent to Reifers, No. 2,873,059,issued February 10, 1959.

As is apparent to those skilled in the art, the carton 14 is producedfrom a one-piece blank and. comprises, in

addition to the backwall panel 12, a front wall panel 16 andlongitudinally extending partition panel 18 and transverse partitionpanels 20. The transverse partition panels 20 include an upper edgeportion 22 which engages the under surface of the lid, to be describedin detail, and vertical force is transferred from the lid through thewall panels 12 and 16 generally along a line along the points indicatedat 24 and 26 in FIG. 2.

The partition panels 20 are formed by folding the panels downwardly froma planar panel section and are attached to the walls 12 and 16 athorizontally disposed panel segments 28 and 30. The longitudinalpartition 18 together with adjacent transverse partitions and opposedwalls 12 and 16 form a plurality of cells indicated generally at 32.

The carton as disclosed comprises in the art, a 2 x 6, i.e. for thepurpose of holding a dozen eggs. Although a ,specific type of carton isdisclosed for purposes of illustration, the novel closure to bedescribed in detail is usable with other cartons as will becomeapparent. Although the invention as disclosed is particularly adaptedfor use with eggs that are being packaged, other fragile articles suchas Christmas bulbs, light bulbs, etc., could be packaged in cartons ofsimilar character through the utilization of the improved hinged lid orclosure to subsequently be described in detail.

The blank discloses medially thereof at 34 a perforated tear linewhereby two separate carton halves may be formed. Thus, as will berecognized by those skilled in the art, the 2 x 6 may be readilyseparated at tear line 34 to form a 2 x 3 carton for the purpose ofholding onehalf dozen eggs, etc.

The blank 10 has hingedly connected to the back panel at a transverse orlongitudinally extending hinge-line 36 a lid section indicated generallyat 38 which has formed therein by cut-and-scored line means including aplurality of colinear, segmental fold or crease lines 48 and a backpanel segment 42. Parallel to the segmental fold or score line 40 and inspaced relationship thereto and extending longitudinally across thepanel section 38 is a second series of segmental colinear fold or scorelines 44 to which is hingedly connected a closure fiap means 46 havingformed at the free edge suitable closure means 48. The closure portions48, in this exemplary embodiment, are disclosed as lockingly engagingbeneath panel segments 30, as is apparent to those skilled in the art.However, suitable equivalent functioning means, for example, detachablegluing, removable glue tapes etc., (not shown) are considered to be thefull equivalent of the disclosed mechanical lock, and the full range ofequivalents is in- ,tended to be retained in this regard.

46, respectively. Fragmentary cut lines 58 and 68 are formed in therespective panels 42 and 46 transversely of the terminal ends of the cutline 52 and terminate adjacent to or short of angular pairs of scores,slits or cut lines 62, 64 and 66, 68, respectively, formed in the panels42 and 46. Additionally, in colinear relationship With the segmentalfold lines 40 and 44, respectively, are fragmentary pairs of cuts 70, 72and 74, 76 which terminate short of the cut line 52 and terminalportions 54 and 56 thereof but which extend from the margins defined bythe fold line 50. It is to be understood that in instances where cuts orscores have an equivalent function, either can be used alternativelydepending upon the manufacturing requirements.

A fragmentary out line 54, a portion of cut line 58, out line 62 and outline 70 define a gusset panel segment 78 which is hingedly connected toone end of an elongated support or wing element 80. The other end of thewing element is connected to a second gusset panel segment 82 by meansof the fragmentary cut line 56, a portion of cut line 60, cut line 66and cut line 74. Formed adjacent to the wing or support element is asecond wing or support element 84 which is connected at one end by agusset panel segment 86 formed by the fragmentary cut line 54, a portionof cut line 58, cut line 64 and cut line 72. Likewise, the other end ofthe wing element 84 is a second gusset panel segment 88 which is formedby the fragmentary cut line 56, a portion of cut line 60, cut line 68,and out line 76.

Disposed on opposite sides of the wing elements 80 and 84 arefragmentary portions of the lid section 38 which will be convenientlyidentified at 90 and 92. Similarly repeated cut-and-score means will notbe described in detail inasmuch as the function and structure isidentical with that just described. It will be obvious that a singlepair of wing elements can be provided for a single cell, if desired.

The wing elements 80 and 74 have respectively formed in spacedtransverse relationship therein, T-shaped cuts 93, 94 and 96, 98,respectively, which form portions conforming to and engaging the upperends of the fragile articles, i.e. eggs or the like which have beendeposited in the cells 32 of the bottom section of the carton; this justdescribed structure is an alternate expedient which can be incorporatedin the carton lid at the option of the manufacturer, and depending uponthe character of the articles being packaged.

Considering FIG. 2, the cellular bottom section 14 is erected by meansof conventional apparatus. Next, the cells 32 are filled with eggs E asseen in FIG. 3.

As the first panel means 42 and closure panel means 46 are oriented inright angular or normal relationship to the general plane of the lidsection 38, the respective gusset panels 78, 82 and 86, 88 willautomatically orient the wing elements 80 and 84, respectively, into anormal or right angular depending relationship from the general plane ofthe lid section 38; see FIG. 4. Conventional folding bars F can beutilized to accomplish this manipulation.

Although folding bars F are illustrated as one means of orienting thelock-flap panel means 46 and first panel means 42 normal to the generalplane of the lid section 38, other suitable rneans may be utilized forthis purpose.

As indicated generally at in FIG. 5, are brace-beam means formed byopposed pairs of the wing elements and the gusset panel segmentspreviously described.

Considering FIG. 6, it will be noted that the bracebeam means 100include the wing elements depending into the cells 32 and having amaximum span or opening A which is less than the overall width B andthus at no time can the eggs E be withdrawn upwardly through the slotsformed between and by the wing elements 80, 84. However, these slots oropenings in the lid section will permit the ultimate consumer to readilyobserve the eggs, permit a good circulation of air, i.e. to obtainproper refrigeration and humidity conditions, etc., and the wingelements having the cuts 93, 94 or 96, 98 will provide, in a sense, aresilient cushion which will stabilize the eggs in the cells 32 andprevent accidental damage to the same.

Additionally, the lower free edge portion of the wing elements will restupon the panel segments 28 or 30 and vertical shocks imposed on theclosed carton will be transmitted from the lid section to these panelsegments and then through the walls 12 or 16 down to a support surface.Additionally, the brace-beam means formed by the cut-and-score means inthe lid section provide or form transverse beams extending between thewalls 12 and 16 to absorb lateral shock at the walls 12 and 16 of thecarton; note the panels 40 and 46 will be at right closed.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a fragmentary portion of a blank isindicated generally at 10' and comprises a lid section 38 similar tothat described with respect to FIGS. 1-6. The ultimate stabilization ofthe fragile articles, i.e. eggs, etc., is the same in this embodiment asthat previously described. However, the closure panel means 46 tivegusset panel segments. Wing elements 80' and 84 are formed in the mannerpreviously described and are automatically oriented when the carton lidis manipulated in the manner described in detail with respect to theembodiment of FIGS. 1-6.

In this embodiment, the T-shaped cuts 9398 can be incorporatedtherein,'however, they are not shown in this embodiment.

Formed between the wing elements 80 and 84 is a stabilizing tab or brace85 which is hingedly connected at a fold line 87 to the wing element84'. This tab 85 has an enlarged head 89 formed on a transverse cut 91in the wing element 80. A corresponding opening is formed in the wingelement 80', i.e. corresponding to the shape of the attaching tab 85,and as seen in FIG. 8, the head 89 will lockingly engage in the openingto extend transversely between an adjacent pair of wing elements inspaced relation beneath the portion 92 of one of the bracebeam means100. The locking tab 85 is formed of such a length so it will be of agreater length than the cone sponding width of the lid section segment92.

Thus, there has been disclosed several embodiments of the inventionwhich fully conform with the objects of the invention heretofore setforth. For example, no additional material is required and yet erectionof the carton, i.e. particularly the novel lid section is relativelysimple, no particular modification is involved in the bottom section ofthe carton, and the depending wings provide a spring-clip actionpreventing shifting, rattling, etc., of the eggs or other fragilearticles during shipment and thus provide maximum protection.Additionally, maximum product visibility is obtained in addition tomeans permitting uniform humidity and temperature conditions to bemaintained about the eggs or other products. Further, structuralstrength is added to the package further protecting the articles duringshipping and lateral crushresistance is increased. The product is stillaccessible in the conventional manner, i.e. by hingedly raising the lid,and when the lid is closed the stabilizing wing elements of thebrace-beam means are automatically oriented into proper protectingposition with respect to the articles.

Referring to FIGS. 9-12, and first considering FIG. 9,

a fragmentary portion of a one-piece blank is indicated generally at 110and this blank comprises a lid section 138 hingedly connected to ahinged line 136 to a rear wall panel 112. Formed on the lid section 138are wing elements 180 and 184 by means of the cut-and-scored linespreviously described in detail. The carton bottom section is indicatedgenerally at 114 and is of the character generally disclosed in U.S.Letters Patent to Reifers, No. 3,006,528, issued October 31, 1961.

In this bottom section, article receiving cells 132 are provided and thefront wall 116 has formed therein and extending into the upper edgethereof, cut-out portions 117 facilitating the insertion of ones fingersto aid in the removal of the eggs from the cells. Without going intoadditional detail, in this embodiment, the longitudinal partition panel118 extends substantially up to and is engageable with the inner surfaceof the lid section 138 in the carton disclosed in U.S. Letters PatentNo. 3,006,- 528. In the present embodiment, the longitudinal partitionpanel is reduced in height, and the lower free edge of the wing elements180 and 184 are oriented into depending relationship, and will engagethe upper edge of the longitudinal partition panel 119 of thelongitudinal panel 118 as illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 13. Thebrace-beam means 100 is formed in this embodiment just as in thosepreviously described, and when a vertical load is impressed on thebrace-beam means 100 (see FIG. 13) the forces thereof are distributed inthe support surfaceengaging portions of the longitudinal partition;

It will be noted that the dimension Z in FIG. 13 generally indicates theoverall carton height, the dimension X indicates the height of partitionpanel 118, and the dimension Y indicates the depth of the wing elements.

Considering FIG. 14, the dimension relationships A and B mentioned inregard to FIG. 6 are once more illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 14,and it is clearly evident that the egg E cannot be withdrawn through theslot formed between the gusseted wing elements and 84.

Considering FIGS. 15a-15c, one of the wing elements 80, for example, hasa fragmentary perspective portion thereof illustrated, and the generalconfiguration assured by the portions 93-98 are indicated at 93 in FIG.15a. FIG. 15b shows a fragmentary portion of a wing element 80' having acircular cut-out portion 93" therein which Will generally conform to theupper arcuate surface of the eggs, Christmas decoration bulbs, etc.,which will be engaged by this wing element. Considering FIG. 150, afragmentary portion of a wing element is indicated at 80" and is formedtherein by means of suitable flanking cuts, a displaceable flap element93" which also provides a cushioning or contour-conforming spring-clipportion for the upper end of the article being stabilized in one of thecells of the bottom section of the previously disclosed and describedcartons.

Although the cut-outs 117 have been disclosed in FIGS. 9-12, thisexpedient could likewise be utilized in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, forexample.

Referring to FIGS. 16-20, another embodiment of the carton is disclosedin detail with respect to the novel carton disclosure. A planarone-piece blank is indicated generally at 210 and comprises a lidsection 238 similar to that previously described. A rear carton wallpanel is indicated at 212 and has hingedly connected thereto the lidsection 238 which includes a first panel means 242 and a lock-flap panelmeans 246. A hinge line 236 is formed so that the hinge section not onlyhinges upwardly but can be removed bodily from the carton, as clearlyindicated in FIG. 19. In this embodiment of the carton the brace-beammeans indicated generally at 210 will depend, below the longitudinalpartition panel 218 of the cartons of the type disclosed and describedin detail in U.S. Letters Patent to Swanson #3,034,696 issued May 15,1962, and the partition panel terminates substantially at the uppersurface of the lid section.

The longitudinal partition panel of this embodiment of the carton,includes a notched out portion 221 to accommodate therein the brace-beammeans 210 (see the fragmentary perspective view and the illustration ofthe cooperation of these portions of the carton). The front wall 216 ofthis carton may incorporate therein fingeraccess portions 217facilitating the removal of the eggs.v

The bottom section of the cellular carton of FIGS. 16-20 is indicatedgenerally at 214.

It will be noted, that the rear wall 212 of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 16-20 may incorporate therein finger-access portions as indicatedat 217', i.e. these openings will extend up to the hinge line formed byperforations as seen in FIG. 19.

Referring to FIGS. 21-23, a carton bottom section of the characterdisclosed in FIGS. 16-20 is indicated generally at 314 and may includein the forward wall panel 316 thereof, finger access openings 317.

Considering FIG. 21, a still further modified cover panel is indicatedgenerally at 310 and comprises a central .lid section 338. In thisembodiment, the carton rear wall I 7 is indicated generally at 312, andhas hingedly connected thereto at 336 first panel means 342. Cartonclosure means is indicated at 346 of these portions of the lid sectionand are similar to those previously described. Colinear, segmental foldlines 340 and 344 are formed as in the previously described embodiments.

Additional segmental, colinear fold lines 341 and 345 are provided inspaced parallel relationship with respect to the segmental fold lines340 and 344, respectively, are pairs of arcuate score or hinge lines 350provided in spaced relationship with respect to a transverse cut line352. Suitable cuts form gusset panel segments 378, 386, 382 and 388 andsubstantially rectangular segments 379, 387, 383 and 389 are formed asclearly seen in FIG. 21. When the carton is ultimately erected asclearly seen in FIG. 22, the brace-beam means indicated generally at 310will arch inwardly due to the arcuate fold lines 350, but the panelsegments will arch upwardly by virtue of the fold lines 341, 345 and abox-like appearance will be provided at opposite ends of the brace-beammeans 310 as indicated at 311.

As seen in FIG. 23, the upwardly arching brace-beam means 310facilitates vertical stacking of the egg cartons. Additionally, thedepending wing elements will engage opposite sides of the eggs tosubstantially stabilize them in the egg cells and additionally, thelower edges of the webs will engage the upper edge of a longitudinalpartition panel 318 to ensure proper transmittal of vertical forcesthrough the stacked egg cartons.

' Referring generally to the transmittal of vertical force, it will benoted in all of the embodiments disclosed that the vertical forceapplied to the closed lid of the carton is generally transferred to theouter and inner walls of the carton and in the event the carton includesfoot portions on the longitudinal partition panel force will also bedistributed to a support surface through this structure. Additionally,the wing elements, even in the absence of the expedience disclosed inFIGS. a15c, will in a sense form a resilient cushion to stabilize eggsor the like in the various cells, the expedience disclosed in FIGS. 15a-15c accordingly being considered to be additive features. Once more, asmentioned above, where the terms cuts, slits or scores are used, thoseskilled in the art will readily recognize that slits, creases or partialcut lines (cut scores) can be used. Additionally, the upwardly archedbeam disclosed in the embodiment of FIGS. 2l23, for example, affordsadditional strength to the transverse beams due to the resistance ofthese beams to deflection.

Still further, it will be recognized that during erection or closing ofthe cartons, an inward pressure will generally be applied to elements80, 34 or gusset panels 78, 82 and 86, 88 as the panels 42 and 46 arefolded normal to the general plane of the cover, and after initialclosure, the gusset panels will automatically orient the transversewings or beams as the carton is reclosed.

It will be noted and observed by those skilled in the art that variouspermutations of the teachings of the diiferent embodiments in thisapplication may be interchanged and incorporated in diflferent types ofcellular bottom sections of prior art cartons. However, each of thedisclosed embodiments incorporate all of the objects of the inventionand the advantages set forth in detail, and exemplary embodiments are byway of illustration and not by way of limitation.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes maybe made without departing from the scope of the invention and thereforethe invention is not limited to what is shown in the drawings anddescribed in the specification but only as indicated in the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a one-piece, upwardly-opening carton having a bottom sectionintegral with a hingedly displaceable lid section,

said bottom section including at least two opposed walls,

said lid section being hingedly connected on an upper portion of one ofsaid opposed walls,

said lid section including closure panel means hingedly connectedthereto opposite said one of said opposed walls,

said closure panel means including portions engageable at the upperportion of said other opposed wall for detachable connec tion theretoand permitting said lid section to be disposed upwardly therefrom topermit access to the carton contents; the improvement comprisingcut-and-score means in said lid'section extending between said twoopposed walls,

said cut-and-scored means comprising a first panel means hingedlyconnected to said one of said w-alls along the length thereof anddisposed opposite said closure panel means, and automatically-erectablebrace-beam means including portions connected between saidlast-mentioned panel in said lid section and said closure panel meansand including spaced wing-elements depending into said carton andpivotally connected to said lid section, said brace-beam means includingautomatically-orienting portions at terminal ends thereof between saidwing-elements and said panel means whereby closing of said lid sectionautomatically orients said wing elements and forms said brace-beam meansfor reinforcing said carton laterally and against vertical forces andmaintaining articles in said carton in a relatively stabilized position.

2. The structure of claim 1 in which said bottom section includes cellmeans, said brace-beam means and wing elements thereof extendingtransversely of an intermediate portion of said cell means.

3. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said wing elementsinclude a lower free edge portion, said wing elements includingcushioning-cut portion-s extending into said free edge portion.

4. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said bottom sectionincludes panel-segment portions extending into said carton from saidopposed walls, said wing elements including free edge portionsengageable on said panel-segment portions for transmitting verticalforce from said lid section to said opposed walls.

5. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said bottom sectionincludes longitudinal partition panel means extending transversely ofsaid brace-beam means, said longitudinal panel means being engageable onsaid longitudinal partition panel means for transmitting vertical forcesto said carton lid section.

6. The structure as claimed in claim 5 in which said longitudinalpartition panel means includes upwardly opening notch portions, saidwing elements extending into said notch portions, said longitudinalpartition panel means including an upper edge portion terminatingadjacent the upper surface of said lid section.

7. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said adjacent wingelements include cooperating tab and notch rneans extending therebetweenfor stabilizing said bracebeam means.

8. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which at least one of saidopposed walls includes a cut-out portion extending into the upper edgethereof .for facilitating removal of the product from the carton.

9. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said wing elementsinclude an upper curved hinged margin, said brace-beam means includingtransverse fold lines at the terminal ends of adjacent pairs of saidcurved hinged margin, said lid section comprising an upwardly archedpanel section overlying said brace-beam means, said wing elementsincluding cut lines depending from said lastmentioned transverse foldlines.

10. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said lid section ishingedly connected to said bottom section on a tear line portion forfacilitating bodily removal of said lid section from said bottomsection.

11. The structure as claimedin claim 1 in which said bottom sectioncomprises cell means, articles disposed in said cell means, said wingelements extending transversely of an intermediate portion of said cellmeans, said wing elements including free edge portions overlyingopposite sides of said articles, said wing elements being spaced :1distance less than a comparable underlying maximum dimension of saidarticles for preventing withdrawal of said articles from betweenadajacent wing elements.

12. The structure as claimed in claim 11 in which said wing elementsinclude cut-portions partially conforming to the outer surface of saidarticles.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS7/ 1964 Great Britain.

GEORGE O. RALSTON, Primary Examiner.

1. IN A ONE-PIECE, UPWARDLY-OPENING CARTON HAVING A BOTTOM SECTIONINTEGRAL WITH A HINGEDLY DISPLACEABLE LID SECTION, SAID BOTTOM SECTIONINCLUDING AT LEAST TWO OPPOSED WALLS, SAID LID SECTION BEING HINGEDLYCONNECTED ON AN UPPER PORTION OF ONE OF SAID OPPOSED WALLS, SAID LIDSECTION INCLUDING CLOSURE PANEL MEANS HINGEDLY CONNECTED THERETOOPPOSITE SAID ONE OF SAID OPPOSED WALLS, SAID CLOSURE PANEL MEANSINCLUDING PORTIONS ENGAGEABLE AT THE UPPER PORTION OF SAID OTHER OPPOSEDWALL FOR DETACHABLE CONNECTION THERETO AND PERMITTING SAID LID SECTIONTO BE DISPOSED UPWARDLY THEREFROM TO PERMIT ACCESS TO THE CARTONCONTENTS; THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING CUT-AND -SCORE MEANS IN SAID LIDSECTION EXTENDING BETWEEN SAID TWO OPPOSED WALLS, SAID CUT-AND-SCOREDMEANS COMPRISING A FIRST PANEL MEANS HINGEDLY CONNECTED TO SAID ONE OFSAID WALLS ALONG THE LENGTH THEREOF AND DISPOSED OPPOSITE SAID CLOSUREPANEL MEANS, AND AUTOMTICALLY-ERECTABLE BRACE-BEAM MEANS INCLUDINGPORTIONS CONNECTED BETWEEN SAID LAST-MEMTIONED PANEL IN SAID LID SECTIONAND SAID CLOSURE PANEL MEANS AND INCLUDING SPACED WING-ELEMENTSDEPENDING INTO SAID CARTON AND PIVOTALLY CON-